100 reichsmark 1935
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This is a 1935 German 100 Reichsmark note in uncirculated condition, displaying the characteristic blue-gray and cream color scheme typical of Weimar-era Reichsbank currency. The obverse features a sharp portrait of Justus von Liebig in profile within an ornate circular frame, while the reverse presents classical allegorical winged figures flanking a central circular design element. The note exhibits excellent preservation with crisp, detailed engraving throughout and no visible wear, fold marks, or tears.
Common. Based on eBay market data, even UNC-graded examples consistently sell in the $26–$36 range, with most circulated examples trading for $3–$21. PMG-graded UNC specimens (PMG 63–67) achieve higher prices ($44–$305), but the base note remains widely available. The 1935 100 Reichsmark was issued in significant quantities by the Reichsbank, resulting in substantial survival rates. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or scarcity conditions exists for Pick-183a.
Issued on June 30, 1935, by the Reichsbank under the authority of the Banking Law of August 30, 1924, this note represents mid-1930s German currency during the early Nazi period. The obverse portrays Justus von Liebig, the renowned 19th-century chemist and founder of agricultural chemistry, reflecting the Reichsbank's practice of honoring significant scientific and cultural figures. The reverse's classical allegorical imagery—winged female figures representing virtues or commerce—connects to traditional European monetary design symbolism, though the presence of Nazi iconography (swastika in the underprint) documents the political context of the period.
The obverse presents Justus von Liebig (1803–1873), the pioneering German chemist, in left-facing profile within a decorative circular frame featuring ornate Gothic-style borders. The composition employs fine-line engraving with complex guilloche patterns filling the background, creating depth and anti-counterfeiting complexity. An eagle emblem appears at the lower right, symbolizing German state authority. The reverse design features two classical allegorical figures—winged female representations (likely Liberty or Commerce figures in the European tradition)—positioned symmetrically on either side of a large empty central circular frame, suggesting space for additional security imagery or serving as a focal point for the design. The entire composition is rendered in blue-gray tones on aged cream/beige paper, with text arranged in decorative shield-shaped cartouches and borders. The watermark area features the inscription 'J. von Liebig' positioned at the left margin.
FRONT: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reich Bank Note) | 'Hundert Reichsmark' (One Hundred Reich Marks) | 'Ausgegeben auf Grund des Bankgesetzes vom 30. August 1924' (Issued on the basis of the Banking Law of August 30, 1924) | 'Berlin, den 30. Juni 1935' (Berlin, June 30, 1935) | 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reich Bank Directorate) | Serial number: Q.6010674 | BACK: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reich Bank Note) | '100' (One Hundred) | 'WER BANKNOTEN NACHGEMACHT VERFÄLSCHT ODER VERFÄLSCHTE SICH VERSCHAFFT ODER IN VERKEHR BRINGT WIRD NACH DEM STRAFGESETZBUCH MIT FREIHEITSSTRAFE BIS ZU ZWEI JAHREN ODER MIT GELDSTRAFE BESTRAFT' (Whoever counterfeits banknotes, forges or obtains forged banknotes or puts them into circulation shall be punished under the Criminal Code with imprisonment of up to two years or a fine) | Serial number: Q.6010674
Intaglio engraving (steel plate printing) executed by the Reichsbank's official printer. The visual analysis confirms the hallmark characteristics of intaglio work: fine-line engraving throughout, complex guilloche patterns in background areas, and the three-dimensional tactile quality evident in the sharp detail and precise line work. The note exhibits the 'Kreuz-Iris' printing technique mentioned in catalog references—a special color transition method used until 1940/1941 that creates gradual color shifts in the underprint (particularly the blue-gray tones) not fully evident in two-dimensional scans but characteristic of this series. The printing exhibits consistent quality and registration throughout both sides.
This specimen is catalogued as Pick-183a, the standard variety. The Pick catalog recognizes two variants for this base number: P-183a (the specimen described here) and P-183b. Variants between these two may relate to printing technique differences ('Kreuz-Iris' vs. standard printing), serial number prefix variations, or signature changes on the Reichsbankdirektorium block. The serial number Q.6010674 and the June 30, 1935 date placement are consistent with the standard P-183a designation. No overprints or exceptional variety markers are present on this note.
